Small Block

Small Block is one of those places that sometimes I love, and sometimes I hate. 

I hate it when I have to sit on the stairs, in the way, waiting for a table. I love it when I have the day off work, and the staff is relaxed. I hate it when hipsters sit outside, sipping too slowly on their soy lattes, smoking their cigarettes, and taking up a table I could be sitting at. But can you really give a cafe a bad review because its too popular? Probably not, and I won't. 

On a rather lovely Wednesday I was feeling quite unwell. With hardly any will to live and no energy to cook for myself, I staggered down the road and ordered scrambled fetta and pesto eggs, latte and OJ. By no means was the cafe empty, but the service was quick. I am always amazed by the number of people who have nothing better to do midweek, at 2 in the afternoon, but drink coffee and eat eggs. Clearly I am jealous. But I enjoyed my eggs, and the coffee was and always is fab.

Ray

322 Victoria St

Brunswick

For me, reviewing Ray goes a bit like this "long time eater, first time reviewer". And to be honest, I'm not really sure were to start. Back in the day, I had no idea what the place was called, and referred to it as No Name Cafe for an embarrassingly long time.

Like any long term relationship, we have had our ups and downs. Sometimes I loved, it sometimes I hated it. Sometime I don't mind waiting for a table, sometimes I CBFed. Sometimes I don't mind having my coffee forgotten, sometimes I do. All that said though, today was a good day, we came late, and there were tables free.

One of the things I love about Ray is the interior. I want my house to look like this. I love the exposed brick, the high ceiling and polished wood. Its warm and inviting and has totally random kitsch stuff everywhere. The interior lends itself to a relaxed atmosphere (which you may need it you have to wait 20 minutes for a coffee).

The menu is as eclectic as the interior. I guess you could call it middle eastern infused cafe fare.  Today I chose the toasted roast pumpkin pide with olive paste, feta, pinenut and rocket and a latte. My sister had the poached eggs with mushroom and parmesan pesto and fresh OJ. The quality of the food is consistently good and very fresh. Meal portions are fair, and not overly huge.  

One of the most outstanding things about Ray is its value for money, $32 for two people! With the morning rush far behind us, the service was decent, and today I offer Ray 14/20. Service- 3/5Menu- 3/5Atmosphere - 4/5Value for money- 4/5 

The Mess Hall- Melbourne

51 Bourke Street Melbourne
www.themesshallmelbourne.blogspot.com

The top end of Bourke Street is one of my favorite places in the city. While it doesn't get the same kind of hype that the Paris end of Collins might, it encapsulates many of this things I love about this city. There is the stunning view of Parliament House, the beautiful classical sounds drifting out of Thomas Music, Florentino, Society, The Paperback Book Shop, Pelligrini and the iconic Plane Trees. Among these gems, you will also find The Mess Hall.

On a particularly lovely day in early Spring, I wondered down for a late lunch. At 2pm, there were still a few diners and almost everything on the menu was still available. On offer are mostly Italian inspired dishes, offering homemade pasta's, a range of insalatas, pizza and a separate breakfast menu. When I say Italian, I don't mean the kind that you typically find on Lygon Street. This is fresh, interesting and many of the dishes are seasonal. I chose a roasted veggie panino with feta.

I really love the Mess Hall. If I am meeting up with someone in the city its one of the places that I will always suggest. Even if you are lunching alone, it is a nice place to seek some solitude to 40 minutes. The service is friendly, the food is quick and reasonably priced and the coffee is wonderful. HOWEVER, on this particular visit, I was subjected to another helping of Kate Bush with my meal. What is it with Kate bush popping up all of a sudden? Maybe its just me, but I would have thought her musical stylings would put one off their meal, not contribute to the ambiance. Maybe I'm not hipster enough. Maybe it doesn't really matter.

Besides the Kate Bush offence, The Mess Hall ticks all of my lunch time boxes and I offer 17/20.

Gelobar obsession

I have been living in East Brunswick for almost 3 years now, and I have been vaguely aware that there was a Gelati Bar on Lygon Street called Gelobar. Nicole Jones of Bad Crumbs blog fame has raved about the place, but until recently I had never been. I have to be honest here, I love gelati. I could eat it twice a day, every day of the year. Gelati is not ice-cream. Its a far superior product, that is ALWAYS homemade, and should come from a small specialty store.

Five days ago, I went to Gelobar. In 5 days I have been there 3 times.

Back in the day, I would have gelati every Sunday from Il Dolce Freddo after working at Toto's on Lygon Street, Carlton.

My top five flavours are;

1. Ferrero Rochet
2. Panna Cotta
3. Tiramisu
4. Vanillabean
5. Baileys Irish Cream
   

In recent times I have managed to curb my gelati obsession, limiting my intake to special occasions and really hot weather, or when I really really want some. NOT 3 times in one week.

The outlook is grim. I either have to move OR exercise some self control and step away from the gelait bar. Considering how prevalent gelati stores are in Melbourne, particularly in East Brunswick/Fitzroy/North Fitzroy/Carlton, I think the latter is more sensible and practical.

However, I thank my friends who have joined me on this indulgent ride, with a special shout out to my sister and Jones. Its always nicer to fall off the band wagon with a friend by your side, stuffing their face on the other side of the table.

I could really go a white chocolate and rapsberry waffle cone right now.